Dubai has greenlit three groundbreaking projects under the ambitious Dubai 10X Initiative, cementing its commitment to leapfrog global urban innovation and position itself a decade ahead of other major cities. Announced on January 29, 2026, by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, these initiatives target critical sectors: urban mobility, public health, and international travel. The move underscores the government’s shift from traditional administration to comprehensive, future-focused service delivery guided by inter-agency collaboration and cutting-edge technology.
The three approved projects—the 20 Minute City (led by the Roads and Transport Authority), the Disease Early Detection System (overseen by the Dubai Health Authority), and the City Terminal Project (pioneered by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects)—emerged from a robust selection process involving 33 government entities. These programs were chosen based on their potential for high impact, integration across various agencies, and measurable improvement to the quality of life for Dubai residents.
Accelerating Excellence in Public Service
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed emphasized that the Dubai 10X Initiative, launched in 2017, has fostered an exponential leap in government performance, cultivating a culture where innovation and teamwork are prerequisites, not exceptions.
“Accelerating government performance is central to our future vision,” His Highness stated. “We will continue to empower government entities to pioneer bold, high-impact projects that redefine excellence in public service.”
The third phase of the initiative drew 79 ideas from over 120 government employees. Proposals were rigorously evaluated under the supervision of top government leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and His Excellency Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs. The success of the program relies on this spirit of collaboration, with some finalized proposals having required up to 11 entities working together.
Three Pillars of Future-Ready Urban Living
The approved projects introduce fundamental changes aimed at enhancing accessibility, well-being, and efficiency across the emirate:
1. The 20 Minute City (RTA)
This urban mobility strategy seeks to ensure that residents can reach 80% of essential services—such as groceries, schools, or clinics—within 20 minutes using only sustainable transport options: walking, cycling, or public transit. Launched in partnership with Dubai Municipality and Dubai Police, the pilot program is currently underway in Al Barsha 2. Key features include expanding shaded green areas, improving road safety protocols, and establishing flexible mobility corridors designed for future demand.
2. Disease Early Detection System (DHA)
Shifting healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive, predictive well-being, this system focuses on enabling rapid diagnosis to improve patient outcomes and significantly reduce long-term treatment costs. The initial target area for the pilot is diabetes, a condition currently estimated to cost Dubai AED 2.78 billion annually. The initiative involves multiple high-profile healthcare providers, including Canadian Specialist Hospital, King’s College Hospital London, and several Medcare and Aster clinics.
3. City Terminal Project (DAEP)
To streamline one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, this project enhances operational efficiency and passenger experience through off-site processing. Travelers will be able to complete all pre-flight check-in procedures at various locations across Dubai before being securely transported directly to the airport departure gates. Developed in conjunction with airlines, immigration authorities, and Dubai Police, the City Terminal aims to alleviate airport congestion and make travel logistics seamless.
The continued implementation of the Dubai 10X Initiative solidifies the emirate’s global leadership in innovation and future-ready governance. These projects demonstrate a tangible commitment to utilizing advanced collaborative models to create a city that is not just modern, but sustainable, efficient, and deeply focused on resident welfare. As global cities continue to grapple with mobility and health challenges, Dubai’s accelerated approach provides a leading blueprint for integrated, high-impact urban transformation.